> If you tip less in overproiced place than a dive bar, and the hourly
> wage is considered when tipping, do you then tip waiters more than
> bartenders? bartenders more than the head bartender? Bartender more
> than the bar owner who syill actively works behind the bar?
In my culture, tips are a sign of appreciation for outstanding service, not a
tax loophole or an excuse for cheap-ass employers to underpay staff.
Bartenders and wait staff are already paid the fair wage that they negotiated
in their employment contract. So your question doesn't really come up on a
daily basis for us.
But yes, in a more tip-heavy environment, I'm less likely to tip a working
owner than his underpaid workers.
In practice, No, it's unlikely I'd tip a head bartender less, as for me
tipping is primarily based on performance, and the head 'tender is often the
one more likely to just be doing a better job.
Given that we don't have the compulsory minimum tip thing happening, service
gets rewarded on its own merits - but only in relation to expectations and
venue prices.
If we get basic service in a good bar with average prices, that meets
expectations, the worker is already being paid a fair wage, and no tipping is
expected.
If we get high-class service in a high-class place that is already charging a
lot, I know that the drink price already reflects the professional wages being
paid.
A high-class place would have the really blow me out of the water with service
beyond the expectations set by their already-high prices to earn extra. If
they are charging $12 for a drink I can get at another bar for $8 (assuming
the same quality) then they* are already getting a 50% service charge on it.
Do something that's worth more than a 50% tip, and you'll get it.
If I get above-average service in a cheap dive, that exceeds my expectations,
and I know the worker may not be as highly paid, so tips are earned there.
.dan.
* I am aware that 'they' is ambiguous, but that's a longer discussion.